EPA Change Could Cost Millions

(HANNIBAL)—A change in interpretation by the Environmental Protection Agency on stormwater regulations could carry a large price tag for the Hannibal Board of Public Works.

A stormwater bypass is at the root of the issue. When the Mississippi River is high and a lot of stormwater is flowing, it can go untreated into the Mississippi River from Hannibal’s sewer system.

Costs to comply total at least 21.4 million dollars. 10.9 million dollars of that cost would be for rehabilitation and replacement of downtown area sewer lines. 8.23 million dollars would be required to expand the water treatment plant to handle excess stormwater flow.

Board of Public Works members Wednesday heard from engineering firms about options and also from Phil Walsack of the Missouri Public Utilities Association about possible courses of action.